Self-Defense

Recent Shootings Are a Wake-Up Call To Take Responsibility for Your Own Defense

At best, the authorities will show up after the threat has already occurred.

J.D. Tuccille | 3.16.2026 7:00 AM

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My son spent last week training in defensive pistol use at Gunsite Academy, in Arizona. The scheduling couldn't have been timelier given the double terrorist attacks on Thursday. Both incidents were stopped by people at the scene who were willing and able to end the threat without waiting for police to arrive.

It's not something most of us want to think about. But if somebody decides to take out their grievances on innocents, any of us could become default defensive details for ourselves and the people around us.

You are reading The Rattler from J.D. Tuccille and Reason. Get more of J.D.'s commentary on government overreach and threats to everyday liberty.

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Synagogue Guards 'Engage in a Gunfight' With Attacker

The attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, is an especially disturbing case since more than 100 children were attending school at the facility. The terrorist, a Lebanese immigrant named Ayman Ghazali, drove his incendiaries-laden truck into the synagogue and down the hallway where he was confronted by security.

"At approximately 12:20, Ghazali's vehicle gets jammed between hallway walls and he begins firing through the windshield of his vehicle," according to FBI Special Agent Jennifer Runyan, who described events during a press conference. "Ghazali and the first security officer engage in a gunfight through the rear window of Ghazali's vehicle. And at this point, Ghazali is unable to extract himself due to the vehicle being jammed in the hallway. At approximately........

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